Concept

The key idea behind the X-SDEN is to combine the state of the art in different fields via a technology called Packetized Energy Management, which provides the link between the physical and cyber domains to optimally allocate energy resources and schedule industrial applications. This project will develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) engine that offers interpretable (comprehensible) decision-making to ensure energy neutrality, which in this case refers to the balance on a minute timescale between supply from renewables and demand from industrial loads. Our approach also covers short- and long-term storage including Power-to-X technologies with carbon capture, batteries, and flexible industrial loads. The X-SDEN then goes beyond the state of the art by focusing on an energy-centric approach for the next generation of industrial cyber-physical systems that are designed to be fossil fuel-free. We will follow established research methods in the scientific communities using computer simulations calibrated with real-world specifications, AI methods focusing on the trade-offs between accuracy and explainability, and testbed trials. We will also follow best practices for open sciences by making source codes and data freely available for replication of results, as well as by publishing in open access journals. The X-SDEN will rely on data generated by simulations and acquired by hardware demonstrations at LUT and Aalto. The proposed integration of software-defined energy networks, packetized energy management, and explainable AI is novel. This indicates a huge potential for scientific breakthroughs and for promoting scientific renewal and technological innovation. The results of the X-SDEN are expected to enable the development of industrial plants in food industry and small technology factories based on the proposed concept setting energy neutrality from renewable sources as its main goal. Therefore, the X-SDEN is well aligned with the sustainable development goals by the UN and the Commitment 2050.